George Washington to Captain William Bronaugh, December 17, 1756
extracted from
The Writings of George Washington, Volume II, by Jared Sparks
(Boston: Charles Tappan, 1846), pages 208-209
To Captain Bronaugh, on the South Branch.
Fort Loudoun, 17 December, 1756.
Sir,
You are strictly required, immediately upon receipt of this, to transmit your provisions and stores to Captain Waggener's Fort, and there leave them. Then march your company to Pearsall's, in order to escort a quantity of flour to Fort Cumberland, where you and your whole company are to remain.
I expect you will pay due regard to this order, and put it in execution with the utmost alacrity, as it is in consequence of express directions from the Governor and Council. I heartily commiserate the poor, unhappy inhabitants, left by this means exposed to every incursion of a merciless enemy, and I wish it were in my power to offer them better support, than good wishes will afford. You may assure the settlement, that this unexpected, and, if I may be allowed to say it, unavoidable step was taken without my concurrence or knowledge; that it is an express order from the Governor, and can neither be evaded nor delayed. Therefore, any representations to me of their danger, and the necessity of continuing troops among them, will be fruitless; for, as I before observed, I have inclination, but no power left, to serve them. It is also the Governor's order, that the forts be left standing for the inhabitants to possess if they think proper.
I am, Sir, yours, &c.